Destination of the Month
(May ’10)

“Santiago IS Chile” say the Santiago locals, and a visit to this great city will show you why. Located right in centre of the thinnest country in the world, Santiago is Chile’s cultural, commercial, industrial and political center. A cosmopolitan city with ample restaurants, bars, hotels, and shopping with everything from tiny boutiques and craft fairs to giant shopping malls. There are also many cultural attractions such as art galleries, museums, theaters, opera and ballet, a lively nightlife, plus parks, tree-lined streets and distinct neighborhoods. Areas of brand new high rises and large supermarkets sit next to older colonial buildings. No doubt Latin America’s most developed city, Santiago is a metropolitan hub.

Best time to go

The best time to travel to Santiago is during spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant. During the height of summer (December to March) the locals head for the hills to avoid the heat and enjoy their annual vacations, so this is also a good time to holiday in Santiago if you prefer to avoid crowds

Climate

The climate of Santiago is Mediterranean, with typically hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters. Summer temperatures hit highs of around 28C (82F), while winters average around 11C (52F).

Rainy Season

Rainfall is mainly during winter.

Flights

Flights to Santiago include a number of domestic flights as well as international flights. 

Domestic Airlines: Lan Airlines, Sky Airline

International Airlines:  Lan (Santiago to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Lima, Miami, Mendoza, Cordoba, Madrid, Los Angeles, Auckland, Montevideo, Bogota, Mexico City, Punta Cana, Havana, Guayaquil, Caracas and Rio de Janeiro); Aerolineas Argentinas (Santiago to Buenos Aires), Gol (Santiago to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Lima), Copa Airlines (Santiago to Panama City), Iberia (Santiago to Madrid), Air Plus (Santiago to Madrid), Air France (Santiago to Buenos Aires and Paris), SWISS (Santiago to Sao Paulo), TAM (Santiago to Sao Paulo), American (Santiago to Miami and Dallas-Fort Woth), Delta Air (Santiago to Atlanta), Air Canada (Santiago to Toronto), Aeromexico (Santiago to Mexico City).

Recomended Hotels

Ritz Carlton
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/

San Cristobal Tower
www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury

Grand Hyatt Santiago
www.santiago.grand.hyatt.cl/hyatt/hotels

InterContinental Santiago
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/

W Hotels
www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels